THE GRAND STORY OF THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE ADVENTURES OF BARON BRITPOP BLASTFURNACE

An Invitation To Further Adventures / The Voyage Home Begins

Baron Britpop Blastfurnace • Part 50

An Invitation To Further Adventures

During the wedding feast, Lafayette and Marie once again asked us to join them for lunch the following day. Naturally, we accepted. So the day after the wedding, the three of us made our way to Lafayette’s home.

After a pleasant meal with lively conversation, Lafayette asked Andelbert and me to join him on the porch. There he shared the surprise he had told me about two days earlier.

“Lads, I am off to the American Colonies. Independence is imminent, and I desire to be a part of this just cause of freedom. They intend to create a citizen-run government. No monarchy to dictate decisions and horde riches. Only elected officials who will serve the people.

Their declaration of independence will undoubtedly result in war with the British, of whom I have no love. I will be glad to fight against the empire that caused my father’s death.

I have purchased a ship for the voyage and named her Victorie. I will sail soon for the Americas. I invite you to go with me. I realize it not a good time for you, Andelbert, as you are newly married, but perhaps I can persuade you, Britpop, to join me on this adventure. We will be witnessing history being made, and have an opportunity to be a part of it. What say you?”

“My dear friend and brother, I am honored by your invitation. But I have been on a remarkable adventure of my own for quite some time. I desire nothing more than to return to my home.”

“I am sad to hear it, but I understand. I will miss you both tremendously. It is rare to have such good companions.”

“It is indeed. I shall also miss you greatly,” Andelbert said.

“I think you shall have other things on your mind,” Lafayette said, and we all laughed.

“I have no such distractions, and I will miss you dearly. If your travels ever bring you to Kapri, you always welcome at my estate,” I said.

“I hope I can take you up on that offer someday.”

“As do I.”

The Voyage Home Begins

The following day, after breakfast, Andelbert, Maria, and I boarded a small ship bound for Bordeaux. Andelbert and I had been given chests to store the new clothing we had acquired while staying at the palace. Maria also had a chest to carry her keepsakes and clothing. We were accompanied by a palace valet and two royal guards. I asked the valet why the guards were assigned to us. He said it was a standard precaution against robbers. The guards also carried our chests onboard. Fortunately, the guards were not needed on our trip upriver. It was a pleasant day, and we encountered no trouble.

When we reached Bordeaux, the valet led us to our ship. As I saw the name on the ship, my eyes widened. Andelbert and I both looked at each other in disbelief. It was the Sea Merchant II.

Captain Desmet walked across the deck to greet us.

“Why so surprised, Baron? How many ships do you think travel to Kapri?”

“I suppose I never considered it.”

“Well don’t just stand there with your jaws hanging open, come aboard. We are eager to depart.”

“Yes, Captain,” I replied.

“Andelbert, who is this young woman attached to your arm?”

“This is my wife, Maria.”

“Your wife? Well, you two never cease to surprise me. I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Maria. Allow me to show you to your cabin.”

“Thank you, Captain. I am pleased to meet you also,” Maria said.

Desmet led us to the cabin Andelbert and I had shared on the voyage out of Kapri.

“Andelbert and Maria, you will take this cabin. Baron, you will have my cabin.”

“I would not feel right inconveniencing you in such a manner. I will gladly sleep with the crew.”

“As you wish. Once you are settled, Andelbert, I hope you will consider baking some bread for the crew. We have missed having such a fine treat.”

“I would be happy to, Captain.”

“Then I shall leave you to it. I have a ship to sail.”

“Thank you, Captain,” I said as Desmet walked away.

I made my way down to the crew sleeping chamber and stored my chest. It was empty as the crew was busy setting sail. Then I return to the deck to watch the departure. It felt good to be on a ship again. I looked forward to the voyage home and spending time with the crew. My spirits were already rising.

Shortly after, Andelbert and Maria joined me on deck. Together we watched France slowly shrink into the horizon.

Continues in Part 51:

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©2020 Mark Starlin